Zaki Hashem & Partners is a corporate and commercial law firm in Egypt established in 1953. The firm has one office in Cairo and has over 100 fee-earners and 170 employees.
The firm has a strong practice in banking, debt capital markets, M&A and project development achieving top tier status in all of them.
In banking and finance the firm focuses on both corporate and project financing for a mix of borrowers and lenders whilst in debt capital markets the firm works on bonds and securitisations for issuers. In M&A meanwhile, the firm assists with acquisitions for acquirers and in projects the firm works on a mix of infrastructure and energy-related deals.
Testimonials
Banking and finance
“Zaki Hashem & Partner is our go-to firm for our banking and finance transactions in Egypt. On our deals, Zaki Hashem & Partners were always very reactive and solution-oriented. They showed an extensive knowledge of the banking and finance sector.”
“We really enjoyed the experience working with the firm. Clear expertise on this matter to validate what was and not possible. Dedication to quickly understand matters, legal knowledge/expertise, speed of work, accessibility at any given time for further questions, clear solutions explained comprehensibly.”
Capital markets: Debt
“Professional, strong timekeeping and provided good advice.”
Capital markets: Equity
“Their team is of the highest quality.”
“Yasser Hashem is accessible, client-friendly and a walking encyclopedia of Egyptian law and practice.”
“They staff their transactions with high-quality lawyers, so one always feels comfortable that things are being well looked after. They are one of the elite, most respected firms not only in Egypt but in the wider region.”
Capital markets: Structured finance and securitisation
“Professional, well organized and full understanding of the transaction and the goal to be achieved.”
Financial restructuring
“Speedy, trustworthy and high expertise.”
“They have a team specified in the task that they conducted for our bank.”
M&A
“The team was knowledgeable about negotiations techniques, procedures and laws.”
“Great response rate and pace, outstanding archive of important documents and relevant history, their understanding of business relevance.”
“Very knowledgeable, great work ethic (turnaround times, accessibility, etc.), fantastic attitude and very good strategic negotiators.”
PPP/PFI
“Professional experienced team, quick response times, able to provide service in tight time schedules. Competitive service and pricing and aftersales service & support.”
Private equity
“Zaki Hashem Law Firm stands as a beacon of legal excellence in Egypt, renowned for its exceptional services and profound expertise in the field of private equity and venture capital. As one of Egypt's top law firms, it has been instrumental in shaping the regulatory framework for fund regulation, distinguishing itself as a vital contributor to the capacity building within these sectors. Zaki Hashem Law Firm’s dedication to excellence and innovation has not only earned it a prestigious reputation but also positioned it as a key player in the evolution of Egypt’s financial and legal sectors.”
Project development: Energy
“Effective and clear advice, delivered on time and to budget.”
Project development: Infrastructure
“ZH&P have profound knowledge and expertise in construction projects and showed to be very responsive to all requests.”
Arig Ali
“Arig Ali has done a very great work in all the transactions, and she is the most talented female lawyer in town.”
“Arig Ali is able to merge international best practice and standards and Egyptian law in a practical way that helps clients achieve their objectives.”
“She is efficient, concise, clear and effective in her advice.”
“Arig Ali, associated with the esteemed Zaki Hashem Law Firm, is unequivocally recognized as one of the finest legal minds in Egypt, particularly in the realms of private equity and venture capital regulation. Her profound expertise, coupled with an unwavering dedication to fostering the growth and understanding of fund regulation, sets her apart as an unparalleled professional in her field. Arig's pivotal role as the fund regulation instructor for the inaugural Private Equity Diploma at the American University in Cairo, and her integral contributions to the legal foundations of private capital masterclasses across Egypt, underscore her exceptional capabilities and influence. Her insights and analyses have become indispensable to the Egyptian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, evidencing her stature as a thought leader and a linchpin in shaping the country's PE and VC legal landscape.”
“She is very competent and very much attention to detail. She is simply the best female lawyer in town.”
“Arig is not just one of the best corporate lawyers in Egypt but in the entire region. She is responsive, well-connected and highly practical, which is critical in a jurisdiction where the law sometimes needs to catch up with international practice. Other than the country code of her phone number, however, she is indistinguishable from the very best corporate lawyers in her field in Europe or the Americas.”
Khalid Al-Melegi
“He provided good advice.”
Helal El Hossary
“He is very professional.”
“He is an expert in dealing with regulatory firms.”
Hossam Hafez
“Always available, knowledgeable and found solutions for unclear situations.”
“Communicative, knowledgeable about law, provided solutions, showed business understanding, they demonstrated energy and were accessible.”
“Great attitude, negotiating skills, knowledgeable and calm attitude during stressful times.”
“Hossam encompasses all the right skills, knowledge, attributes to enable him to excel in his profession dealing with large corporations. Clear legal expertise on the matter discussed dissecting complex issues and develop sound legal options for my company. Effective communication skills, he articulated his arguments very precisely and clearly to us. Attention to detail, he paid meticulous attention to any legal aspect when drafting final legal solution to ensure accuracy. Finally, he has been with my team and I from beginning to end in this process making us feel very comfortable and reassuring we have all taken the right steps at all times.”
Yasser Hashem
“He is an excellent manager, and an engaging and efficient transaction support partner.”
Sameh Kamal
“Sameh Kamal showed to be responsive to all requests and provided profound knowledge and expertise in construction projects and relationships with general contractors in Egypt.”
“Professional & experienced, very good industry knowledge and familiarity, excellent responsiveness. He showed initiative and was proactive.”
Ragia Omran
“She understands business needs and provide perfect advice with decision making process.”
“Ragia is highly professional and well experienced. She is solution-oriented and always provides clear and helpful advice.”
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include HSBC, CIB, Citigroup Global Markets, Palm Hills for Development, EFG Hermes, Beltone Capital, American International Group (AIG Egypt), Vodafone Egypt Telecommunications, Al Babtain Group, RAMW Group and Wadi Group.
